SN95 Instrument Cluster Knowledge Search

Bee

New Member
Dec 7, 2019
14
1
3
Florida
I have a 98 GT Conv./Auto. and it has recently had the infamous odometer failure. A few weeks before that the tach started cutting in out erratically. Being 25 years old I'm guessing it's time to replace the instruments. I'm told by one person that 96-98 will work without issue so long as the doner was a factory V8. Then another tells me that 98 is unique and no other cluster will work except a 98 V8 cluster. Then still other tells me that even if I use another 98 cluster that I will have to reprogram the PATS for the new cluster. I thought the PATS was key and ECU related, not instrument related. Isn't the PATS receiver in the column?

I have my eye on what is said to be a 96 Cobra cluster. The speedometer tops at 160 MPH and the tach tops at 8,000 RPM. I'm not sure if it will work with my car or not. I don't want to waste money and time buying something I can't use. Can somebody straighten me out here?
 
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Odometer is an easy fix. The one in my wife's 96 vert failed a couple years back. It was like a $10 part and 30 min of my time. I believe 96 and 97 are the same and 98 is unique as far as instrument clusters go but I do not remember why. V6 and V8 are different. Speedo is 120 in a V6 car Vs 150 in a V8. Tach and redline are also different.

If I were you, I would get the part to fix the speedo. While it is apart I would check and clean the contacts on the tach. If that does not resolve the tach issue then maybe I would pursue another cluster, or at least a tach. V8 clusters have gone up in price lately.